Just curious. All you quilters out there, are you involved in Guilds or pretty much keep your quilting a solitary thing? Was in a Guild for close to ten years but for various reasons, left the group, deciding I'd rather spend quiet time unwinding in my sewing room instead. Now that retirement is pending this year, I might reconsider.

ijust joined one this year.....still trying to decide if its for me !

I thought about it, but the local guild has quite a waiting list. Plus I'm not sure I could fulfill the time requirements as my dogs and dog shows take up a lot of time.

i am newly retired and am thinking the same - trying to decide on which local group to hook up with. i prefer the morning group, but babysitting my DGKs conflicts. So I'm thinking of going with the larger evening guild.

My mom and I found a great group that meets weekly at one of the local Senior Centers (most all of them have a quilting group). We just get together and work on our own stuff, but have lots of help if needed. And everyone gets along great. First 2 Mondays each month we quilt all day, the other Mondays are half days. We have all the tables to use for sewing at, laying out our work for pinning, etc. You come if you can, and if you don't, no problem!

I usually spend quiet time quilting.

Not guilded. I have enough commitments with the kids and church and my classes that I know I wouldn't be able to participate much, so I'm waiting till the kids are older. But they sound like fun :)

Our guild meets once a month- I enjoy going and seeing what the programming will be. I'm not very involved though.

I also enjoy an occasional craft night with friends, but mostly, I sew on my own.

I belong to two guilds, one small and one very big one. I like the bigger one better for the high profile teachers that guild can afford to bring in for workshops and programs. I enjoy quilt workshops. I learn something from every one. The smaller guild is more a show and tell group as the elderly members will not vote to spend any money on anything. Honestly, thousands of dollars in the bank and they think it has to be saved? For what? LOL.

Guilds can have national and international speakers and workshops.............just went to an all day class with Sue Nickels this week. Was well worth it..........

I belong to a large guild (over 300 members) and a small guild (under 30). Both have their advantages, and that's why I enjoy both.

I thought about joining the local guild. Visited for an evening with one of my best friends and my mom. We all left with the same feeling of non-acceptance. The women who ran the guild, skipped over us when it came to show and tell time, when clearly we had finished projects and WIP's on lap and in hands ready to show. When we raised our hands throughout the course of the night, we were ignored. Not one woman greeted us or said one word to us all night, 2-3 hours!

I don't really want to make a long drive to find a guild where I'm accepted and belong.

PS-none of us had any deformities and we all bathe regularly.

I don't care for guilds for various reasons, but it is a matter of personal choice.

I didn't do guilds for years, then tried joining the local one here. It was too big and too clique-y for me. I've got my friend Peggi, who is my biggest cheerleader, and my friends on the web. Seem to have better luck with that!

I belong to three guilds. Two good size and one really small.

I will say it's nearly impossible to actually get to know people you only see 2 hours a month. Join in the activities and you'll get to know people a little better.

As to cliques, groups of friends sit together and visit with each other. So would you. As soon as you get to know some of them you'll be included because they're not really cliques, just groups of friends.

I have to disagree with you on with the cliques, in my case. It was clear that at least 3 groups of people that I sat around wanted to talk to nobody but each other. No matter how much I tried to join the conversations, I was dismissed with chair turns, funny looks and flat out ignoring me (and the girl I was sitting next to who was also trying to "fit in"). After 6 months of this, I left.

While I agree that it's hard to get to know people you only see a couple of hours a month, it really isn't that difficult to include a newbie in a conversation or make them feel welcome. I didn't feel any more part of the group after 6 months than I did on the first day.

I have never been in a quilting guild, but I was a member
of the ASG (American Sewing Guild) and gave it up this
year.

I TRIED to attend the local meetings and sew & tells, but
I was the youngest person there and the ladies were NOT
all that friendly to me because I was not in their "social"
league and so forth.

Wish I had a friend close by that I could get together with
for sewing time.

I joined one guild just a couple of weeks ago. Several of the members kept inviting me to join as they are my customers at Walmart. My co-worker belongs so I go with her.

I've not decided if it is really 'my thing', because of the time involved to really be involved with all they do. I work, have my own longarm/quilting business and spend time doing my own quilting.

I've not been involved long enough to talk to everyone, but am sure as I get to know them and they get to know me it will be better.
They have about 80 members.

Another guild that meets closer to home has invited me to visit/join them. I've not been able to yet, but plan to at least visit. They have about 30 members.

Phyllis
QuitingGrannie

It makes me so sad to hear about people who are given the cold shoulder at guild meetings. I know that in my small guild we try very hard to make visitors and new members feel welcome. At the big guild's meetings that is much harder. Once I was sitting right by a visitor and didn't even know she was not a longtime member until near the end of the meeting, when visitors were introduced. But even at the big guild's meetings, if someone wants to join a conversation they are welcome to do so, and I have never seen anyone treated badly. It's such a shame that any group of quilters would let this happen.

your guild has a waiting list???
never heard of a guild that was not open to any and all who wish to participate. the local guild here has well over 100 members- they also have a membership invitational tea every year- always looking for and encouraging new members...i just can't quite get my mind around a waiting list to join a guild???

I went...paid but after a few decided it was not for me...I thought it would be awesome to get together and sew once a week...not the way...they mainly get together talk about donating quilts, quilt your blocks at home and bring them in to make a quilt...many are there to get business for their longarm business...its more show and tell...I wanted to join because I thought we were going to make quilts...for us, not the world...I think its great that people donate but I am still new and want to make stuff of my house and my family...parents, kids, Aunts, Uncles, brothers, sisters,...I have enough just keeping up with all of them...I donate to my family members...I was hoping to do more of a get together and sew week...I wish my house was bigger I would have a bunch of ladies here...I do get together with friends here and there at my house...so much fun. Oh and if you are new...they laugh when you do not know what a long arm machine is...I had no idea when I first went a year ago...

My one and only visit to my local guild~ what a joke and never met more rude people in my life. These people weren't huddled together in their groups, but they just gave you go to hell looks..lol. At the beginning, introductions were made along with interests, etc. I did my part and told them I was new to quilting...wow! The main lady in charge abruptly stopped me in mid sentence, to inform me that they were not there to "teach me and that I might be in the wrong place. The funniest part, I never said a word about "teach me or learn", I just said that I wanted to see what guilds were all about. The only reason I went to the meeting, was because teacher/ employee at the LQS said I should check it out! LOL Well, now I know. And the even funnier thing to me, is that they expect you to pay for that??? Seriously?!? Ummm, no.

I think this (QB) is the best "guild" or group that can be found! :D

No, I'm not, but I'd like to try it. It would be nice to have others nearby who can stand to hear my wax rhapsodic about my fabric addiction!

I was in one for three years and found that I prefered to spend the time in my sewing room.....but I do enjoy meeting with a small group once a month for social time and hand sewing.

I haven't tried to visit any guilds and I'm not sure if I ever will as I would need a sign language interpreter to fully benefit from the meetings/classes, etc.

I belonged to one guild for several years and quit because I couldn't stand the constant bickering and the "cliques" I joined this fall again hoping that things had changed. Well....they will be one member short next year for sure. I joined a group in a different town about 30 miles from here because the two times I went as a guest we had a great time. There has been a lot of arguing going on lately that seems like nit-picking to me. I probably will not be going after the New Year, I get more done on my own.

I am so sorry this happened to you. Believe me. they are
not all like that.

I belong to a guild that has a membership of about 50. But
average attendance each month would be in the high 30's.
Those who serve on the board, serve a 2 yr. term and each
year 1/2 half of them start a new term. Is that clear??..I
mean every two years we do not have everybody new at once.
When it is time to re-elect "whatever' they ask for volunters..if there are none, the nominating committee tries
to figure out someone that might be interested, if asked.
I was a charter member of this guild in the 80's, and after
2 or 3 years returned to work and was unable to go as we meet in the daytime. However, when I retired 10 years ago
I jumped right back in. There are only a very few of us
who were charter members who are still there..and that being
because so many have passed on.
But..this is the most diversified group you could find.
We have members from a number of really small towns, and
we are thrilled that we have gained so many new members and
some are young..several of us 75 yrs plus and we have one
wonderful lady that is over 90..never misses a meeting.
We have a tendency to go to the same area to sit each month, but if you joined in at any table everyone and anyone
would be made welcome. Guests are introduced at the start
of each meeting. We have people who are able to spend for
anything they want, and we have those on a much tighter
budget...but nobody cares, everyone has something to contribute. If we were not a friendly and 'fun' group we
would have died out (literally) years ago. We have one
or two 'high priced' people for the program a couple times
a year. Other times we have one or two more experienced
members who will do a program on a certain technique..i.e...
machine applique, hand applique, art quilts,..etc. Then we
usually can find people within say a 30 mile radius that
can do a great trunk show. Also, we invite various quilt
shop owners 2 or 3 times a yr for programs. They usually
come up with something interesting, and it gives them a
chance to get a little recognition for their business.
I hope you all can find a similar group, surely our group
is not the only one that loves new members.

I am in a guild, and I guess I am so lucky. The ladies there are so nice, and made me feel welcome from the start. They were nice to me when I miscut pieces for a swap. I learned a lot there, and am now Vice Pres. of this guild, I will be the Pres. next year. We do things for charity, but only on a volunteer basis. I enjoy doing things for charity, and also get a lot done for myself. I don't participate in everything, only what I have the time and desire for. There is no pressure in this guild, just a bunch of quilters, that enjoy each other, and the retreats we have had are fantastic. I live in a small town where most people know each other, so that is probably why. I felt even more like part of the group, when I became more involved in it, and it has been fun for me to meet the challenges.

I have belonged to several guilds, One small one, we had lots of fun and folks accepted you. One large and the were not all that friendly, had their cliques. Now meet once a month witm my sis and quilt and once a month with cousins and friend and it is nice. I am thinking about joinging our state guild again because they have a 3 day retreat that in the fall that is great and have excellent teachers. I belong to a Long Arm Guild right now and it has taken me about a year to get acquainted, some guilds are funny that way.

SouthPStitches, thanks for posting this because I have had the same question! I have no opinion but am very interested in thhe comments.

I was new in this community and thought by joining a guild I could meet some new people, however I found members sat with the same members every time and it was difficult to break into a group. Also the same people did "show and tell" every month. When the dues were doubled I decided I would rather pay $5 to attend when the program was of a topic in which I was interested.d

The first few that I tried we cliquey, nasty and competitive so almost became a quilting recluse. The one I now belong to invited me to join them They are stimulating, sharing and friendly. My productivity has increased since belonging to such a great group of creative people - certainly better than living in an echo chamber.I would encourage you to find a nice group to join as it is mentally and emotionally healthy for you.

I am sorry you were treated so badly at this guild meeting. I love the guild I belong to, everyone is so nice & friendlly and were from the very first time I went. We meet 2 times a month, one is a business meeting and the other is a sew-in. We take trips to quilt shows & quilt shops.
Did I say I love my Guild? Well I do.

I belong to two Guilds and enjoy them both. You can participate in as much or as little as you want to. You can really stay busy with the charity parts if you want. The best part is the Bee that's within one of the Guilds. We go on retreats together, get together once a month, go on road trips and have a great time together. I don't know what I'd do without my Bee buddies.

I joined the guild at the senior center to get help quilting as it was new to me and that was 2 years ago. Not only am i learning a few tricks of quilting i have made some good friends. We meet once a week in the morning and i get so inspired i sew all afternoon when i get home. I do enjoy it.

Joined a quild last month. Thought I would give it a few visits and see but the first month lived up to "quild" reputation. Cold and unaccepting!

I belong to two different guilds one large and one small I have been debating what I want to do for next year as there are several different places around here that meets to sew and I think I would rather spend my time doing that than sitting in a meeting but it also depends on the guild and do they have activities if so it is best if you participate as it is more learning and getting aquainted I have learned a lot over the years at the clubs and quilds that I was part of

I belong to two different guilds one large and one small I have been debating what I want to do for next year as there are several different places around here that meets to sew and I think I would rather spend my time doing that than sitting in a meeting but it also depends on the guild and do they have activities if so it is best if you participate as it is more learning and getting aquainted I have learned a lot over the years at the clubs and quilds that I was part of

I recently moved from a small urban area. The small (25) guild I was in had a weekly luncheon, bi-monthly meeting, and several sew-in meetings every month. I loved it and made a lot of friends. I've moved to a much larger urban area and have joined a guild here; however, there are over 300 members, they have one monthly show and tell/speaker meeting, and the entire group doesn't have any get-togethers. I'm trying to join one of the smaller sub-groups that meet more frequently, but I'm really missing my smaller guild.